1973laguna

I have a 2011 hhr 2.2liter I need to know where the drain plug is for the water pump . Thank you

donbrew

How-To replace water pump

1973laguna

Thank you donbrew. Is the plug a regular bolt because that is all I see also is that under the car on the passenger side ?

donbrew

Yes. I put a link to the how to in my post.

1973laguna

Thank you , I have always used a flush and fill kit to backflush the cooling system on my cars but I don’t know if I should with the hhr because of all the sensors /electronics and the alternator is right under the radiator cap and I worry about it getting ruined. Thank you .

donbrew

I tried that I was not happy with it. Doesn't it rain in Oregon?

1973laguna

Oh yes it does , but we get our fair share of good weather too , So just flushing the radiator and draining the water pump should be sufficient and of course putting in new coolant.

RJ_RS_SS_350

Bottom line, remove the water pump drain plug, remove the thermostat, open the radiator petkawk, and all the coolant will drain out. Then you install a new ACDelco 131-158 thermostat(don't try any other)and close everything up. 2 gallons of new 50/50 Dexcool will be a little more than enough to refill.

Then burp the cooling system by raising the nose of the vehicle 8" or more, and run the engine until all the air bubbles escape. Top it off, replace the cap, and recheck the level every morning for about a week.

"Flushing" is really not required. The specific thermostat, and proper burping is very important.